Trapping in Québec

Trapping is governed by rules with a concern for sound wildlife management and development. The regulations are in effect from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024.

What to know before trapping

Trapping is the action of capturing a fur-bearing animal with traps, attempting to capture it or installing a trap.

In all, 20 species may be trapped, including black bear.

To trap in Québec, you must obtain a trapper's certificate and take training that familiarizes you with fur-bearing animals and the different trapping techniques. This certificate then allows you to purchase a trapping licence.

You may trap in the fur-bearing animal management units (also known as UGAF) and on different territories, while complying with the conditions applicable to each of them.

You may obtain a lease granting exclusive trapping rights. It allows you to have exclusive trapping rights on land on condition that you harvest an annual minimum number of furs.

You must use an authorized or even certified trap, depending on the type of fur-bearing animal. You thus will comply with good practices related to the welfare of the species.

The rules for trapping are valid for persons who reside in Québec, i.e. persons who live there at least 183 days during the year preceding the trapping activities or preceding the application to obtain a trapper's certificate. Some conditions apply to people who do not reside in Québec.

You may share your licence with your spouse, a student or a young person. Special conditions apply.

General notice

Trapping wolverine, polar bear and grey fox is prohibited. Hare is a hunted species that necessitates a small game or snaring licence.

Right to trap and sharing the land

Public land is accessible to all, whether for trappers or any other outdoor enthusiast. You may not appropriate public land.

When users share the land, this must be done in a spirit of harmonious coexistence.

You may not intentionally hinder a person who is lawfully trapping or accessing the land. This may include:

  • disturbing or frightening an animal or fish by human, animal or any other presence, a noise or an odour
  • rendering ineffectual any bait, decoy, gear, trap or implement used to trap an animal

Any obstruction may be reported.

To trap on private land, you must make a request to the owner to obtain permission to access the site.

Out of a concern for respect, you must pay special attention to the place where you install your trap so that they are safe for humans.

Respecting the environment

Wildlife habitats are essential for the survival of the species. Some are protected by law (in French only). Any activity that may alter any biological, physical or chemical component peculiar to the habitat of the animal or fish concerned is prohibited without authorization.

To protect the environment, you must avoid:

  • spilling oil, gasoline or any other toxic waste or substance in any place, but especially in a fish habitat, in a lake, a marsh, a swamp, a flood plain or a watercourse
  • fording a body of water in a motor vehicle, or driving on a shore or watercourse bank;
  • building a dam on a body water that, in addition to impeding the free circulation of fish, may alter its habitat
  • removing or depositing sand, gravel or rocks in the bed of any body of water

If you witness such acts, report them by contacting SOS Poaching – Wildlife Emergency.

Make sure not to travel with a motor vehicle (except for a snowmobile):

  • on a dune, a beach and offshore bars
  • in marshes and swamps situated in the foreshore of the St. Lawrence River downstream from Pont Laviolette, its estuary, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Baie des Chaleurs and the islands located in these areas
  • in peat bogs in the domain of the State situated south of the St. Lawrence River, the estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence

Information on the regulations

Last update: December 19, 2023

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